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Minot Dog Bite Lawyers
We hold North Dakota dog owners accountable when their animals cause injury to you or your child
Although dogs are supposed to be “man’s best friend” (and typically they are), some can act unpredictably and bite, causing serious or devastating injury. North Dakota is one of the few states in the country without a law on the books specific to dog bites and animal attacks. If you need to take legal action after a dog bite, consulting with an attorney may be your best course of action.
When a person is injured on another person’s property due to negligence, like being bitten by a dog, the Minot personal injury lawyers at Larson Law can help. We represent injury victims across the state of North Dakota and we invite you to contact us if you’ve suffered harm due to someone else’s carelessness. We dedicate ourselves to securing compensation for your injuries.
Jump to:
- How common are dog bites and attacks?
- Does North Dakota have dog bite laws?
- What are the long- and short-term effects of dog bite injuries?
- Do I really need a Minot injury attorney for my dog bite claim?
- Who is liable for my dog bite injury?
- What kind of compensation can a dog bite victim expect?
- Do you have a dog bite attorney near me?
Free Case Evaluation
Call 701-484-4878 now or fill out the form above to receive a free confidential consultation.
How common are dog bites and attacks?
According to DogsBite.org, between 2005 and 2018, dogs killed 471 Americans. Other statistics include:
- Adults with two or more dogs in the household are five times more likely to suffer a dog bite
- Americans have a one in 50 chance of being bitten by a dog
- In 2018, about 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery after a dog attack
- In 2019, homeowners insurance policies paid out $797 million in liability claims for dog bites and other dog-related injuries
- Over 1,000 people visit the ER every day for non-fatal dog bite-related injuries
The national average cost of a dog bite claim is $44,760, the organization reports.
Does North Dakota have dog bite laws?
Because our state has no specific dog bite statutes, North Dakota premises liability attorneys typically work with the standard set by Sendelbach v. Grad. In this dog bite case from the 1970s, the court ruled that standard negligence laws in North Dakota also applies to dog bites. Therefore, for a successful action against a dog owner, the injured party must prove three points:
- The animal’s owner had a duty to prevent it from causing injuries
- The owner failed to live up to this duty
- That breach of duty directly caused your injuries and damages
Our Minot dog bite attorneys can work with you to determine the strength and validity of your claim.
What are the long- and short-term effects of dog bite injuries?
Any dog has the potential to bite or attack, whether or not it’s shown aggressive behavior in the past. Dog bites can cause extremely serious injury both in the short-term and long-term. Immediately after a dog attack, a victim may experience puncture wounds, scratches and severe lacerations, broken or crushed bones, and injuries from being knocked to the ground.
In the long term, a victim can suffer serious infection, permanent damage to nerves and muscles, loss of function in limbs, loss of vision, permanent and severe scarring, and long-term disability. Victims often suffer post-traumatic stress disorder as well as anxiety or depression. The lawyers at Larson Law take all of this into account when putting together your injury claim.
Do I really need a Minot injury attorney for my dog bite claim?
You’re never required to have an attorney if you don’t want one. However, your best chance for a successful outcome for your dog bite injury claim is with an experienced lawyer by your side. Insurance adjusters typically lowball their offers to injury victims in the hopes they won’t know any better and sign away their rights. Our attorneys have the knowledge and resources to properly evaluate your current and future needs so you can secure the compensation to which you’re truly entitled.
We understand that these types of cases can be touchy, and in some situations you may even be friendly with the person whose dog bit you. Your attorney is the go-between who can keep things professional, and as your attorneys, we handle your case in the manner you prefer. Procuring the services of a lawyer doesn’t automatically mean you’re suing your neighbor or want their dog euthanized. We try to negotiate and settle without going to court, unless the situation absolutely requires it.
Who is liable for my dog bite injury?
Because North Dakota has no specific statute for dog bites, the courts often use the “one-bite rule.” This means a dog owner can’t be prosecuted the first time it bites or attacks someone, under the assumption that the owner didn’t know the animal was dangerous. After that, the owner should presume the dog is dangerous, and any other aggressive behavior from the dog should be considered negligence.
Parties that can be held liable for dog bites and attacks are the dog’s owner, dog sitter, dog walker, or anyone who had control of the animal at the time of injury. Our Minot dog bite injury attorneys can help prove that negligence caused your injuries and damages.
What kind of compensation can a dog bite victim expect?
Depending on the injuries experienced and the circumstances of the attack, a dog bite victim can claim compensation for things like:
- Medical bills, current and future
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Reconstructive surgery
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Counseling for child victims
- Pain and suffering
Our attorneys have extensive negotiation and litigation experience and fight for the maximum compensation available for your or your child’s injuries.
Do you have a dog bite attorney near me?
At Larson Law, our experienced dog bite lawyers meet clients at our office locations in Minot, Fargo and Bismarck. If you are too ill or injured to come to our offices, we meet clients away from our office as well, through video and phone consultations.
We’ll answer all your questions and guide you through each step of the process.
Our Minot attorneys protect the rights of dog bite victims
At Larson Law, our personal injury lawyers dedicate themselves to helping the people of North Dakota when they suffer an accident. We work to ensure you secure the compensation you need to recover. Get in touch with us today. Our Minot, Bismarck, and Fargo offices are easily accessible. For a free initial consultation, call us at 701-484-HURT or complete our contact form.